Cross Border Terrorism: India Slams Pakistan at UN
In an bold and unprecedented move, India officially branded Pakistan a “rogue state” at the United Nations. It was based on a public admission by Pakistan’s defense minister Khwaja Asif. The comments were made just a few days after the Pahalgam terror attack which was cross border terrorism against India. It resulted in 26 civilians being killed. It is being considered one of the most deadly attacks since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
India’s Strong Response at the United Nations
During the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN), India’s deputy permanent representative to the UN Yojna Patel condemned Pakistan for its ongoing support for terrorism. She also highlighted it was based on the defense minister’s recent interview. He acknowleded Pakistan’s historical backing and funding of terrorist organizations.
Patel said, “The open admission by the Defence Minister of Pakistan today is not surprising. It only reinforces Pakistan’s image as a rogue which breeds terrorism that can be exported globally and destabilize the region.
She went on to state that it is unfortunate that certain countries will use international forums to spread propaganda while easily overlooking their own support to terrorism.
International Support After the Pahalgam Attack
Patel thanked global leaders and governments for their “clear and strong support” in wake of the deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. It was a reaffirmation that the international community’s zero tolerance for terrorism is gaining strength.
The Pahalgam terror attack has many civilian deaths since 26/11. “It is a reminder of why we should be discussing how victims should be front and center in global counter-terrorism efforts,” she said.
Network of Victims of Terrorism Associations (VoTAN)
The announcement of VoTAN is an important step in supporting victims of terrorism worldwide.
Patel stated that initiatives such as VoTAN are necessary to make sure that the voices of victims are heard and kept at the front of the world wide counter-terrorism agenda.
She said, “India sees initiatives such as VoTAN as vital to improving our collective efforts against terrorism.”
What Did Pakistan’s Defence Minister Actually Say?
In a shocking interview with Sky News, Khwaja Asif, Pakistan’s Defence Minister, openly confirmed the country’s support and funding of terrorist organizations.
When asked if there was a history of supporting these organizations in the past, Asif said, “We have been doing this dirty work for the US and the West for about thirty years.”
“That was a mistake, and we paid for it.”
His acknowledgement reverberated around the globe. It reinforced long-held assertions about Pakistan’s role in breeding terrorist organizations by India and others.
Final Reflections
India’s courageous role at the UN, brings substantive evidence to bear on Pakistan. It marks a critical milestone in global deliberations on terrorism. While the world comes slowly to these realizations, the focus now must be on delivering justice to victims. Also, rogue states should be holded accountable. As echoed in the recent news updates India, it reminds everyone of the urgent need for a united, expedited global response to terrorism.
